Current guidance for the use of prophylactic Anti-D meet requirements
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does the current guidance for the use of prophylactic anti-D meet the requirement for pregnant women?
IRAS ID
323114
Contact name
Matthew Hazell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Blood and Transplant
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 16 days
Research summary
Red Cell Immunohaematology (RCI) offers a range of reference testing services which provide vital support for blood transfusion, organ and stem cell transplantation by ensuring the safety and clinical efficacy of transfusion and transplantation. RCI offers an antenatal reference service for women whose plasma contains irregular antibodies.
Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is caused by maternal antibodies either pre-existing or formed from a previous pregnancy /birth. The most significant cause of HDFN is incompatibility due to the Rh system, especially D negative women who can form anti-D antibodies.HDFN can occur in D positive fetus carried by D negative mothers.In the first pregnancy, during delivery or if any sensitising event happens (e.g. road traffic accident, bump or fall) D positive red blood cells from the fetus will enter the maternal circulation and promote the formation of anti-D antibodies. Once formed, maternal IgG antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy fetal cells, accelerating the fetal/neonate red blood cell destruction.
A formula devised by Mollison is used to calculate the volume of packed fetal/D positive red blood cells.
It is important to note, that the blood volume in the formula is based upon an average female body weight from Mollisons study of 75kg, this is not likely to be the case in 2022, as generally the UK population is larger, especially with current rates of obesity.
The aim of this study is to understand if the current guidance for the use of prophylactic Anti-D meets the requirements by investigating the anthropometric measures (height, weight, blood volume), age, gestation and haematocrit in pregnancy.REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0687
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion